The messenger swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. "My Alpha, Yakim of the Southern Pack, sends his greetings, Your Majesty," he began, his voice trembling slightly. "He offers… he offers a proposal that you will find favorable."
Roan's eyes narrowed suspiciously, any offer of friendship from the southern pack was to be treated like a venomous beast. "A proposal? What kind of proposal?"
The messenger hesitated, his gaze shifting to the floor. "Alpha Yakim… he offers the hand of his sister, Seren, in marriage."
A stunned silence fell over the room. Roan's breath hitched, and a muscle twitched in his jaw. The messenger, sensing the rising storm, rushed to explain.
"He… he understands that your previous mate has proven… unworthy," he stammered, his words barely audible. "He believes that this union would strengthen our packs and the kingdom as a whole, and bring peace and prosperity."
